Speeches: House of Commons: speech notes and source material.

Reference code: CHAR 9/128

Date: 22 Feb 1938 - 24 Mar 1938

Scope/content:

Notes for WSC's speech (22 February) on [Anthony] Eden's [later 1st Lord Avon] resignation as Foreign Secretary, Eden's achievements, relations with Italy, and past foreign policy mistakes, which includes the phrase "This has been a good week for Dictators". Source material includes text from the Daily Telegraph on the Italian view of Eden, and a cutting on German reaction to international press criticism. Published: Complete Speeches VI pp 5911-7.

Notes for WSC's speech (14 March) on the annexation of Austria, policy towards Benito Mussolini, the German threat to Czechoslovakia, and defence of the Covenant of the League of Nations. Published: Complete Speeches VI pp 5923-7.

Assorted notes possibly for a speech by WSC (?7 March) on defence spending, the navy and air estimates.

Hansard copy of WSC's speech (21 March) on the air estimates, government errors in respect to the strength of the German air force, and improving the welfare of RAF pilots. Published: Complete Speeches VI pp 5934-9.

Notes for WSC's speech (24 March) on foreign affairs, the threat to Czechoslovakia, co-operation with France, and national defence, which includes the phrase "gone with the wind". Source material includes figures on the populations of Eastern European and Balkan nations. Published: Complete Speeches VI pp 5939-45.